Geek Warning
Geek Warning is a weekly podcast that deciphers the world of cycling technology. Hosted by Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, it covers the latest tech news, industry trends, and answers mechanical questions. The show is produced by Escape Collective, a member-funded cycling media platform.
Episodes
Bonus: The business of batch-built versus custom metal bikes
It’s time for another bonus edition of Geek Warning. This chat is a brief opener to our upcoming coverage of Made, North America’s Custom Bicycle Show. Held this coming weekend (21-23rd of August), the Portland-based show has grown to be a key event on the calendar for bike lovers, tech nerds, makers, and the like. A show like this also consistently serves as a crystal ball into emerging
The endurance bike some of us have been waiting for
This week on Geek Warning, Dave is joined by Escape’s Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt to talk about the latest in cycling tech. Alex was on the ground at the Tour de France Femmes and came away pondering why 1x hadn’t hit the women’s field like it has the men. Meanwhile, Suvi has spent the past couple of months riding the new Trek Domane endurance road bike. Dave and Suvi discuss why this bike
The spectrum of XC race bikes
This week, Dave and Jack from the Escape Collective tech team talk modern cross-country bikes and where the nuance between race and downcountry sits. Plus, Dave shares why he believes remote lockouts are a race-day product. Meanwhile, the geeks discuss why rounded bolts are most often user error and how to avoid them (also check out Dave’s Threaded #15 article on the topic). Like every we
Pros are not not slamming their stems
This week we got new Shimano R9300 Dura-Ace, although not quite the release many had wished for. Escape’s senior tech editors, Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, talk through this new release, the details that are easily overlooked, and where Shimano could do more.Ronan then shares what he saw while covering tech at the Tour de France and how perceived trends can often be false. Dave then r
Going back to basics
We’re going back to basics in this week’s episode. While Geek Warning is usually for tech-obsessed cyclists, this edition covers the common conversations a bicycle mechanic would have with a client. It’s for everyone and anyone who does a little of their own bike maintenance. Many road cyclists are still relatively new to disc brakes, so Jack Duncan and Dave Rome start the episode with a
Aero bottles are often a step too far
Dave and Jack are back for another round of Geek Warning. This week, new road bikes from Cervelo and Pinarello bring the discussion to topics such as what makes a good endurance road bike, where emerging Chinese brands are seeing success, and why aero bottles are an impractical feature. In this episode, you’ll also hear what Dave considers the best multi-tool and plenty more. Meanwhile, l
Rumours all around and the aero cost of being in the Yellow jersey
It’s the first week of the Tour and Escape’s geeks are seemingly all down different rabbit holes. This week, Dave Rome is joined by new hire Jack Duncan to talk through the week in cycling tech, which seems to involve a handful of juicy rumours. From rumours of new Dura-Ace to big wheels from big brands, there’s a lot to chew on. Dave and Jack also discuss airbag tech that keeps circling
Making the test provide the desired result
It’s the week of the Tour de France Grand Départ, and with it have come a few big bike launches. Escape’s senior tech editors, Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, jump on to discuss whether Specialized’s new Tarmac hits the mark. There’s also a new bike from Orbea. Plus Dave asks Ronan to confirm just how progressive his fit is, and as it turns out, the answer is not very. Ronan then jumps o
The fastest sleeves you've ever seen | TDF Tech special
It's time for a Geek Warning crossover episode! Ronan Mc Laughlin and Jack Duncan join Caley Fretz ahead of this year's Tour de France to break down how bikes and gear are changing and highlight what our tech reporters think will be the most important equipment of a modern Tour.
The consequences of big wheels and being gaslit
The tech crew at Escape Collective have been paying close attention to the progression toward 32in wheels in gravel and mountain bike, and while the conversation has come up a few times, it felt time to dedicate some real time to the topic.This week, Escape tech staffers Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Alex Hunt chat about 32ers in the news, whether the UCI’s potential involvement will
Exploring progressive road geometry
This week, Dave, Ronan, and new guy Jack chat about Eddy Merckx’s new bike and why it’s surprised Ronan. The bike provides good fodder for diving into more serviceable cockpits and for understanding why only fashion may limit the uptake of progressive road geometry. There’s good news for those who prefer cable-actuated shifting, as Shimano has updated its mountain bike offerings. Dave has
New climbing bikes are being seen, but rarely raced
New bikes are now rolling in from all directions with both the road and mountain bike race seasons in full swing. In this week’s episode, Dave chats with new hire Jack Duncan about what he’s been seeing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (aka, the Dauphine). Later in the episode, Jack and Dave discuss new cross-country mountain bikes from Orbea and Lapierre. Then Alex Hunt joins to talk abo
Inner soles, 20 grams, and a new voice
Geek Warning gets a new voice as Escape’s new US tech editor - Jack Duncan - joins the motley crew. Together with Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, the geeks cover a broad range of topics from Unbound tech, UCI doing UCI things, Ronan’s custom inner sole journey, and hubs that allow cassettes to fall off. Of course, members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench. This week, Dave is joi
The Crux is now a DirtMac
Howdy geeks! It’s Unbound race week, and with that, we’ve seen an expected amount of fresh new tech in the gravel space.This week, Escape’s senior tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss Specalized’s long-awaited update to the Crux. There’s, of course, a bit of big wheel chatter. A fun new project product from Wheels Manufacturing. And plenty more.As a reminder, members of Es
Going further on gravel
With Unbound on next week, and the Gralloch on last weekend, it felt timely to talk about going further on gravel. For this, Escape’s tech and industry reporter, Suvi Loponen, joins Dave Rome. Also joining this week is special guest (and occasional Escape contributor) Kevin ‘Benky’ Benkenstein, a familiar face in the ultra world. There's also talk of whether the trend in wide gravel rims
Will beep boop suspension come to gravel?
In a rare treat, Caley Fretz (aka, The Hammer) makes a return to Geek Warning. Joined by Escape's Senior Tech Editor Dave Rome, this week’s chat covers electronic suspension on mountain bikes and whether it makes sense for future gravel bikes. Time stamps:
00:00:00 - Intro, Caley is back
00:02:01 - Caley is a fan of Flight Attendant
00:25:30 - Electronics for gravel suspension?
00:34:3
Aero gravel bikes are not always the fastest choice
Are full-blown aero gravel bikes all they’re cracked up to be? Dave and Ronan share some strong thoughts on why this may be the wrong path, or at least, why it’s still early days for these being the faster choice. For those in the workshop, Dave shares the importance of good lighting and some of his favourite hand-held options for seeing better. Alex Hunt then jumps on to talk about XC te
Campagnolo is oh so back
It’s an episode of three parts this week and there’s been lots of big tech releases to chat through. Things kick off with Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome chatting about Campagnolo’s new Record 13 release and why it may prove to be the move to put Campagnolo back in the minds of many. There’s chat of where Zipp may be gone wrong with its latest 202 wheel release, and Ronan shares some thou
No questions asked warranties aren’t all upside
It’s the week after the Sea Otter Classic, and the geeks speak surprisingly little of the products shown there. Instead, Ronan and Dave cover new budget drivetrains from SRAM and Shimano. Dave is thinking about unsustainable warranty policies. And there’s plenty more covered from the world of cycling tech. As a reminder, members of Escape Collective also get access to Ask a Wrench (at th
Roubaix Tech and classic Colnagos
Whoa, what a week to be a cycling fan. And for the nerds among us, Roubaix rolling into Sea Otter is always great.This week Ronan, Alex, and Dave discuss some of the bigger tech finds and blunders of Roubaix and what they may spell for future products and trends. Many tangents are had. Ronan got to ride the new Colnago C72 and shares why he’s always dreamed of owning a C-Series.Of course,
Is electronic shifting soulless?
A recent review comparing SRAM XPLR AXS to Shimano GRX Di2 1x brought up an interesting comment from a reader: does electronic shifting kill the soul of a bicycle? It’s a topic of discussion in this week’s episode. Also in this episode, tech editor and industry reporter Suvi Loponen rejoins Geek Warning to talk about Canyon’s somewhat confusing new Endurace CFR release. You’ll also hear a
Mixing and matching integrated components
Ronan and Dave return to chat through the week of cycling geeking. From emerging trends in one-piece cockpits to the latest in tech news, this episode has plenty of information nuggets. As usual, members of Escape Collective have access to the member-only podcast feeds where they receive the full versions of our episodes. Every week, this includes the bonus section of Geek Warning – Ask a
The continual compromise of 1x shifting
This week, we have tech editors Ronan Mc Laughlin and Josh Weinberg coming in from opposite ends of the world, both in dimly lit hotel rooms, and without their usual podcast recording equipment. It’s only up from here! In the first section, Dave Rome chats to Ronan about his previous day touring Pirelli. Then Dave reminds us of the real-world compromises that 1x shifting continues to bat
It’s all marketing
This week, Ronan and Dave discuss Muc-Off’s much-delayed entry into premium drip wax lubes. Better late than never? With some new gravel wheels from Swiss Side and Scope hitting the market, the conversation turns to how hooked rims are quickly becoming a sales feature even in disciplines where hookless is perfectly fine. The geeks also chat about rim widths and wheel choices. Of course, t
Is the new CAAD rider the old CAAD rider?
This week, Ronan reveals to the world that he’s never even sat on a Cannondale CAAD. Relatedly, Escape is now hiring a new tech editor. Separate from that controversy, Dave and Ronan chat through some interesting but unreleased products. Dave worries he’s got too much on his mind when it comes to modern electronics in bicycles. And conversation turns a little behind-the-scenes. Members of
Is aero the new all-rounder?
From hookless hubs to the latest in 11-speed shifting, the past week of tech has been quite the rollercoaster for the tech-minded. This week on Geek Warning, Ronan, Dave, and Alex from Escape Collective’s tech team catch up to run through the news and offer plenty of thoughts along the way. This one is a little heavier on the news than we typically like to do, but it’s been quite the bus
Can we stop talking in absolutes?
It’s common for everyone to chase the simple answer for what the best product is. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave and Ronan discuss why those chasing the best of something may be landing upon fiction. Additionally, you’ll hear about the differing paths in aero road wheel design between the latest from Princeton Carbon Works and Cadex. Of course, there’s a PSA. And our Good Thing segme
Bonus: Speaking spokes
Oh hi, Dave Rome here. It’s time to get geeky about spokes. I recently wrapped up a long-term review (now live on Escape Collective) where I compared two identical gravel wheelsets, one built with bladed steel spokes and the other built with Berd spokes, a spoke made from a Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, aka, Dyneema. Those white Berd spokes have been growing steadily in popul
Performance bikes are like phones
Think of recent times when Apple, Samsung, or Google have once again claimed to change the phone, just for you to find out that you can now photograph everyone’s wrinkles a little more clearly. Ronan believes we’re in an age where performance bikes are like phones, and of course, the geeks discuss it.On Geek Warning this week, Dave and Ronan discuss Cannondale’s latest bikes and what they
Bonus: Talking torque
It’s time for another bonus episode from the geeks. Hosted by Dave Rome, this episode is a dive into the world of torque wrench usage. Oh yes, it’s time to get nerdy. Anyone who uses a torque wrench should find value in this episode that covers the do’s and don’ts in using a torque wrench. To help with this topic, Dave is joined by Alex Boone, an aerospace engineer who works at NASA’s Jet
Geek Warning: Chains that rust too easily
Have you experienced certain models of Shimano 12-speed chains rusting more easily than expected? It’s one of many topics in this week’s Geek Warning, the cycling tech podcast from Escape Collective. This week, Suvi, Alex, and Dave also discuss limitations and concerns regarding the fast-arriving 32in wheels. There’s talk of new bikes. And what we carry for fixing tubeless punctures. Thos
Apartment-dwelling bike washing
This week’s episode is packed tighter than a top tube bag before an all-day outing. Join Suvi, Dave, and Ronan as they chat through the latest industry and product news to hit the cycling world.Within, you’ll hear where Suvi’s head is at in picking a rear radar, and what Dave suggests for a portable air blower. The geeks also discuss bike-washing tips for those without a garden, plus thou
Geek Warning: Tech that doesn’t sense make
Welcome back to Geek Warning! Turn up that radio and listen Suvi, Ronan, and Dave as they discuss the latest big stories in cycling tech.From why many dropbar MTBs being sold have it wrong, through to a rant about stem designs with limited adjustability, there’s plenty to geek about this week.Members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench, where Zach Edwards (Boulder Grupetto) and Dav
In the pits of the Tour Down Under
We’re in Adelaide for the Tour Down Under, and it would be rude not to take a stroll through the race mechanics’ village. After all, the race provides a unique opportunity to see all men’s and women’s WorldTour teams in one place.Tune in as Caley Fretz and Dave Rome reunite and casually chat tech. From big changes, rumours, to fancy hand-built bikes – there’s plenty to take in.It’s worth
Wear items don’t just suddenly become worn
Welcome to a new year of Geek Warning, the cycling tech-focused podcast from Escape Collective.This week, Ronan and Dave get back into the swing of things by covering some fresh products from Cane Creek, SRAM, BBB, and more.It seems Ronan and Dave both had PSAs on their minds, so we have two this week. One is about watching wear on what are common wear items. The other is about how to per
A life of bikes with Calvin Jones
Welcome back to Geek Warning. We’re feeling well-rested from a couple of weeks off, despite the world of bicycle tech not waiting.To kick off the New Year we’re bringing you a special episode, one with someone who should be a familiar face. Calvin Jones has been the public face of Park Tool’s education resources and programs for 29 years, and this week he announced his upcoming retirement
The 2025 GWAs
The red carpet is out and dozens of interesting cycling products are strutting their way down it.In this final episode of Geek Warning for 2025, the full cast of geeks assembles for the GWAs. What’s the GWAs you ask? What’s the GWAs?! It’s only the most prestigious and hard fought nonsense in all of cycling tech!As always with Geek Warning, there are interesting and informative tangents a
Do we ever get tired of bikes?
Geek Warning time! Factor’s new One aero road bike, SRM’s non-power pedals, and whether riding bikes ever feels like work are all things Dave and Ronan discuss this week.There’s a bit of happy news for Spotify users, with our member-only channels now available on the green app. If you’ve been missing out on the Ask a Wrench segment (this week with Brad Copeland) because you’re loyal to Sp
Introducing Escape tyre testing: Get ready to rethink accepted wisdom
In this episode, we finally dig into the tyre-testing project that quietly consumed most of my year.Nine months, six tyre widths, hundreds of test runs, three road surfaces, four identical wheelsets, and far too many cold late-night tests than any sane person should attempt. But it was worth it.Today, Ronan is joined by John Buckley the founder of Streamlines Aero, the company behind the
It’s the little things that matter most
This week’s episode is perhaps a little more behind the scenes than most. Ronan tells Dave about his nine-month tyre-testing project and why he is now ready to actually test tyres. There’s chat about the struggles in picking products for our favourite things lists. And you'll hear a conversation that involves a lot of cliches such as ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ and ‘listen to you
One more cut to rim brakes
Big wheels, a product recall, and another rant about poor bike design – oh yes, it’s time for Geek Warning.This week Dave and Ronan return to your digital radios. On the list is a sneaky disappearance of a liked SRAM product, news from UCI regarding 32in wheels, and a recall from Trek. Some time on the tools has Dave ranting about a particularly bad example of internal cable routing, and
The value of trade shows and new off-road things
In a tech-launch heavy week, Suvi, Josh, and Alex have taken over the pod to chat about what was happening at the recent, season-ending Rouleur Live show, which led them to discuss the value of these cycling exhibitions a little more. To wrap things up, the team chatted through the – admittedly very off-road focused – new product launches from Nukeproof, Ritchey, Velocity USA, and Lazer.
Top-end frames on mid-level bikes
If you were buying a mid-level performance bike, would you prefer an exceptional frame or a little compromise to get better components? That’s something that Ronan and Dave ponder in this week’s episode of Geek Warning.In addition to that, you’ll learn about DT Swiss’ first wheel that features spokes that aren’t its own. There’s a PSA for anyone ignoring noises from their drivetrain. And
Special ep: Design decisions behind the new Giant Anthem
It’s rare to get a bike that’s raced professionally throughout the season, that wins a World Championship title, and only then is released.The new Giant Anthem cross-country bike is finally official, and tech editor Dave Rome recently flew to Taiwan to see how it’s made and get some early ride time on it.While at that launch, Dave sat down with the bike’s lead category manager, Joe Staub,
A big factory tour and Gravel Burn tech
Welcome back, geeks!This week’s episode is a bit of a mixed bag, with Dave and Ronan kicking things off with a chat about Giant’s flagship factory. Things then jump to South Africa, where Escape’s CEO Wade Wallace sits down with racer and occasional tech contributor Kevin Bekenstein to chat tech at the inaugural Gravel Burn stage race.Finally, members of Escape Collective will hear the re
Campagnolo goes top-tier on gravel, now where’s Shimano?
Jeez, that Dave and Ronan can sure ramble on about a new groupset. Indeed, this week’s Geek Warning has the geeks geeking over Campagnolo’s much-awaited release of 1x13 wireless. They chat about what's new, the limitations of a single chainring for general road riding, and why the future for the iconic Italian manufacturer seems brighter.While that chat may be a little premium for some ta
WorldTour rumours and a split in aero bikes
Warning, geeks inbound. This week, Dave and Ronan catch up to discuss WorldTour rumours and a few of the bigger stories in tech. One of which is Wilier’s new aero bike, and while it wasn’t what Ronan had expected, it raises questions about whether the new crop of Hyperbikes are a consumer-friendly option.Of course, there’s a PSA and Dave shares a ‘Good Thing’ that was on his mind from ear
Saddle positioning and Campagnolo goes Ultra
Gravel World’s, Bespoked Dresden, and new products have kept Escape’s tech team busy over the past week. In this episode of Geek Warning, Dave and Ronan discuss a few of the bigger tech sightings and why they may prove to be irrelevant.There’s talk of Campagnolo’s latest products, plus Ronan further explains the role of saddle positioning tools.Members of Escape Collective also get access
Special ep: In for review, October 2025
It’s a rare occurrence that timezone align for Escape’s entire tech team to get together and casually chat about what’s keeping each of them busy.For this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Dave, Ronan, Suvi, Josh, and Alex discuss some of the test products and testing that has been on their minds as of late.Enjoy!Time stamps:3:00 - The bikes we rode last5:00 - Early thoughts on the Cervelo A
Emergency Ep: SRAM's win and what it means for the UCI
Emergency episode time!Caley and Ronan dive into a story that started with chainrings and cogs, and ended up in court. The BCA has ordered the UCI to suspend its new Maximum Gear Ratio Standard, siding with SRAM in a dispute that could reshape how cycling’s rules are made. What began as a “safety test” for rider speed has become a battle over who really governs the sport, and whether the
Fancy bottom brackets and adjustable crank lengths
Come get geeky with Dave, Ronan, and Zach (Boulder Grupetto), as they add context to the latest cycling tech.This week you’ll hear about adjustable crank lengths, whether fancy bottom brackets are worth the expense, and if modular mechanical rear derailleurs will succeed.Members of Escape will also hear a non-safety-critical PSA, and of course, Ask a Wrench. That Ask a Wrench is a little
Back to basics with chain lubes
Long-time listeners of Geek Warning are in for a treat as Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) returns for a full episode. Along with Dave Rome and Alex Hunt, there is a whole lot of ultimate bike geek to this week’s episode.Within, you’ll hear about some unintentionally leaked information related to what’s likely the next generation of Shimano road pedals.Dave then takes the conversation to
Workshop wishes and crooked hoods
This week on Geek Warning, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss why SRAM’s battle with the UCI may also prove positive for Shimano.Ronan asks Dave what his workshop wish is, which leads to an unexpected tangent about bike washing. There’s, of course, a PSA, which ends up being a conversation about how to align dropbar shifters. And the geeks summarise a bunch of the latest and biggest
Geek Warning Bonus: Trek on testing gravel suspension and bike design
Today, Trek launched a bike that’s sure to spark debate in comments sections. It’s called the CheckOut. It features a new 60 mm travel front suspension fork, courtesy of the RockShox Rudy XL, and 55 mm rear travel to match. It fits gravel-width cranks and has official clearance for up to 56 mm tyres (about a 29x2.25in).However, it’s the design and testing of this bike that brings our fasc
There is no best bike
When Escape Collective first launched, Ronan Mc Laughlin announced plans for an aero leaderboard. The goal was to test race bikes in real-world conditions using the latest testing tools to determine which bikes are the fastest. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and this week, Dave and Ronan discuss why. The conversation leads to the two discussing how they approach reviews and the a
The barriers to entry-level road race bikes
This week, Ronan and Dave ponder how they would equip an entry-level road bike, and while chatting, realise that maybe the industry has backed itself into a costly corner.Of course, there’s a PSA and a bunch of tech news to discuss. Meanwhile, members of Escape Collective get access to Ask a Wrench, where this week Dave and Zach Edwards answer four member-submitted technical questions.Enj
Riding a 32in and Ronan is now a mountain biker
An Irish road cyclist walks into the R&D department of an international bike brand and rides a prototype mountain bike. That’s the joke.In this episode, Dave and Ronan discuss 32-inch-wheeled mountain bikes and whether Ronan is now a mountain biker.There’s a detailed chat about the torque required when working with UDH hangers or SRAM Full Mount derailleurs, along with some buying adv
'There are no new ideas left in cycling'
The Portland-based Made show has wrapped up for another year, and our website has been buzzing with coverage from the handmade bike event.This week’s Geek Warning is a bit different from the usual format, with the conversation focused mainly on what was seen at Made. Here, Dave Rome chats with Escape’s US tech editor Josh Weinberg along with famed framebuilder (and Escape contributor!) Ro
The spares we carry
It’s a shorter episode this week as Escape’s Suvi Loponen and Dave Rome catch up to discuss the spares they carry and how to ensure they work when you need them most.On the news front, they discuss the latest developments regarding the ongoing Shimano crank recall and an unexpected (and hopefully short-lived) issue affecting older Wahoo Bolt and Roam head units.Finally, Zach Edwards of th
Progress creates opportunity in the backfill
It’s time to geek out. This week, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss how as bikes progress, market opportunity is often created in what those bikes previously provided. Through this conversation, Ronan and Dave come to an agreement on a specific style of bike that’s obviously missing today.You’ll hear a PSA relevant to any modern bike, along with a few quick updates that provide a co
The UCI approval sticker is overrated
A mix of rumours circling and the recently reviewed FiftyOne Sika road bike have Ronan and Dave pondering whether the UCI frame sticker is relevant to many of us. Spoiler, it’s not.The episode was recorded a few days before we know for sure, but the social media profiles of athletes strongly point toward some interesting drop-bar-converted mountain bikes for the Leadville 100 race ahead.R
Brakes, brakes, and brakes on big wheels
What in the upside-down world is this? Ronan Mc Laughlin has been investigating rumours around the UCI getting involved with the new 32 in wheelsize, and in this episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear the crew discuss what it may spell.Additionally, you’ll hear the geeks (Ronan, Dave, and Alex) talk about some products that have left them a little underwhelmed as of late. New SRAM centerloc
Finished with unfinished products in the market
Recorded just after watching Tadej and Jonas summit Ventoux on aero bikes, this episode sees Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Suvi Loponen discuss whether the latest and lightest road bikes are now designed for consumers, while aero bikes are for the pros.Also within this week’s Geek Warning, you’ll hear Dave discuss why he thinks too many products are being released in an unfinished stat
Big wheels, TT saddles, and Five Stars
We’re in thick of race season and there’s plenty to discuss on the tech front. The mountain bike world is rubbing their eyes at the sight of a 32-inch-wheeled full suspension. Meanwhile, on the road, it’s the Time Trial that continues to tease future tech trends. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Alex Hunt as they discuss these new sightings.Outside of racing, you’ll also hear the ge
Tour Tech
It’s Tour time and tech editor Ronan McLaughlin has been on the ground capturing all the latest little tricks and tidbits. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave Rome, and Ronan get together to talk through some of the bigger tech stories and finds coming from the biggest race.Within you’ll hear about new bikes from Merida and Cervelo, some behind-the-scenes sponsorship movements, how front de
Hookless to hooked and pondering spoke colours
The drowsiness of Eurobike has barely faded just as the Tour is about to kick off. This week, Escape’s tech team members Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Dave Rome are on Geek Warning to discuss the biggest tech of the week and some things on their minds.A recap of Eurobike is provided by Suvi, along with pondering what the future holds for this event that seems to be in decline.Ronan
Special ep: Bikepacking aero nerd
In this special Performance Process x Geek Warning crossover, Dave Rome grills Ronan Mc Laughlin about every technical detail from his 3,000 km unsupported lap of Ireland. From aero bag hacks and drivetrain quirks to cleat regrets and a failed light, this is a deep dive into the tech setup behind a truly personal and punishing ultra-endurance ride. Ronan shares what worked, what didn’t, a
Shimano Di2, Classified, and Eurobike week
We’re not sure we’ve ever experienced a busier month in the world of cycling tech. All the major drivetrain manufacturers have released new things. We’ve had two custom bike shows and now it’s the world’s largest cycling tradeshow - Eurobike. And the tech conversations in the racing world have been a flurry of activity, too.In this episode, you’ll hear the voices of the entire Escape tech
The week of wireless trickle
Wow, what a week for those who love cycling tech!If four new dropbar groupsets from SRAM weren’t enough, then Shimano certainly fills that glass with its sudden release of XT and Deore Di2. Join Escape’s Dave Rome, Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt as they discuss what’s new and some things to be aware of.Meanwhile, the UCI released some upcoming rule changes that have many riders and cycling bu
Special ep: A chat with SRAM about new Rival and Force and trickling down tech
In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Suvi Loponen sits down with SRAM’s Dan Stefiuk and Paul Kantor to chat about the all-new Rival and Force AXS groupsets. From tech trickled down from Red, to the design philosophies that shaped these mid-tier offerings, we chat about how SRAM approaches performance, pricing, and compatibility.For the full tech details and reviews of these new groupset
Factory tours and fresh tech
This week in Geek Warning, tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt join Dave Rome to discuss their recent factory visits to SRAM, DT Swiss, Oquo, and more.You’ll hear Dave and Alex debate about using full-suspension gravel bikes instead of a mountain bike. The geeks also discuss a whole lot of new and interesting tech.As usual, members of Escape Collective have access to the Ask a Wrench
A Week of Wireless
June has started with a bang when it comes to new cycling tech. This week we’ve seen the long-awaited release of new Shimano XTR Di2, the next generation Super Record from Campagnolo, and a welcomed new power pedal from Favero. All are new products that Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss, in addition to being covered in more detail on Escape Collective.In addition to all that, Unboun
Special ep: Shimano’s MTB Product Manager on the new XTR Di2
Seven years have passed since we last saw an updated version of Shimano’s flagship mountain bike group. Assuming you weren’t holding your breath, and as a result are still with us, then today is the day of the update.Yes, new XTR Di2 M9200 is here. It represents Shimano’s delayed entry into true wireless shifting, and brings with it a number of other interesting developments (a new brake
Mountain bikers on gravel tyres. What in the upside-down world?
Our necks are hurting from the whiplash of information regarding what tyres are actually fastest off-road. Ronan teases a fresh discussion he had about optimising one sponsored rider for Unbound and some surprising lessons that came from that. It's a topic that continues to fascinate, especially given some of the world's best cross-country mountain bikers have been racing Short Track on 5
Modern chain wins and questionable pressure sensors
Welcome back to the cycling tech podcast with a Geek Warning. This week, Escape’s tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss what’s been on their minds. For Dave, that’s how good modern chains have become and a cool upgrade option for DT Swiss hub users.For Ronan, it’s the new wheels from Zipp that have been occupying his time. This is a fairly long episode for members of Escap
Special ep: Why is kit so expensive?
You don’t have to look far these days to find a jersey and bib short that costs more than my first road bike, or one that costs less than lunch. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Smith, Brand Manager at Castelli and Sportful, to unpack what really drives the cost of cycling kit. From €1.50 chamois pads to €300 retail tags, we explore the full supply chain, manufacturing realities, sp
Tech so smart it’s dumb
This week we’ve got wireless shifting on our minds. Campagnolo’s new 13-speed wireless continues to be seen out in the wild, now at the Giro d’Italia. Dave has had his hands on WheelTop’s latest wireless mountain bike derailleur and shifter. And SRAM has an option to upgrade its new mechanical T70/T90 system to wireless, and nope, we’re not joking.Additionally, Ronan is feeling misunderst
Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed?
How is it that a product can be raced by a professional, in a professional event, and that the media aren’t allowed to tell all? It’s become a surprisingly common occurrence, and in this episode, you’ll hear Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome explain how it all works.You’ll also hear about Campagnolo’s latest spotted new drivetrain, and why it likely spells a wider change to 13-speed. Also,
Special ep: In For Review, May 2025
It’s time for the second edition of our ‘In for Review’ Geek Warning podcast. Like the first edition, this one looks to share some of the bikes we’ve been testing and the gear we’ve been enjoying.Plus, we’ve added a segment that talks about newly released products we’re interested in trying. And for those on the Escape Collective member feed (which as the name implies, is only for members
Wheel size history is repeating
Hello geeks!It’s time to talk about the big wheels that are seemingly beginning to gain speed. As reported by Josh Weinberg, it sure seems many are looking at 32 in wheels, but it’s still early days as to whether we’ll see history repeat itself.Within you’ll also find a new segment where Dave puts the call out to brands to produce a product that he feels is lacking in the market.You’ll al
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